Held 5 years, GI swapped for 5 Taliban

In a stealthy deal, Idahoan handed over in Afghanistan

By Compiled by Democrat-Gazette staff from wire reports

Posted: June 1, 2014 at 4:18 a.m.

Credit: ASSOCIATED PRESS
President Barack Obama walks with Jani Bergdahl, left, and her husband Bob Bergdahl, right after he spoke about the release of their son, U.S. Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl, in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington, Saturday, May 31, 2014. Bergdahl, 28, had been held prisoner by the Taliban since June 30, 2009. He was handed over to U.S. special forces by the Taliban in exchange for the release of five Afghan detainees held by the United States. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

WASHINGTON -- The lone U.S. prisoner of war from the Afghan conflict, captured by insurgents nearly five years ago, has been released to U.S. forces in exchange for five Taliban prisoners held at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, officials from President Barack Obama's administration said Saturday.